Metropolis guides and colleagues mourn the sudden lack of the CEO of UF Well being Jacksonville

By Jack Last updated Jul 24, 2021

JACKSONVILLE, Florida. – When news of the unexpected death of UF Health Jacksonville CEO Dr. Leon Haley Jr., spread, streamed messages on social media from those who knew Haley and were shocked by the sudden loss.

According to an internal email from UF Health received by News4Jax, Haley died on Saturday after an accident in South Florida.

After hearing the news, A. Zachary Faison Jr., President and CEO of Edward Waters University wrote:

Life is not promised. Lord have mercy on the message I just received. 😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢

– A. Zachary Faison, Jr. (@ MillennialPrez1) July 24, 2021

He told News4Jax on hearing the news that he was shocked.

“In 2018, Dr. Haley was one of the first people to reach out to me and welcome me to town. In fact, he made an appointment and came over to introduce himself and was really just a great friend and resource to me, ”Faison said. “Just devastated to hear this latest news.”

Faison said he and Haley both served together on the JEA board of directors as well as the citizens’ council. He received an uplifting email from Haley just last week.

“It said exactly, ‘I know the past few days have been a whirlwind for you. But I want to send you my congratulations on becoming a university and taking Edward Waters to even greater heights. Take a deep breath and enjoy the moment, Leon, ”said Faison.

He said Haley was an uplifting, caring person that many will miss.

“He had a very calming mind. I know, of course, that for the past 18 months that we have all struggled through the pandemic, it has always been a comfort to hear his updates and his insights into how we move around this room, “said Voice for me.” Haley. “To know that we have someone of his caliber in our city to help us on the front lines in fighting this pandemic.”

Haley was the first in Jacksonville to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and received his first dose live on TV to ensure the news about the safety of the vaccine and its need to fight the virus was spread.

UF Health CEO Receives First COVID-19 Vaccine in Florida

From the mayor to his colleagues at UF Health to other community leaders who have worked with Haley to spread critical information on the fight against COVID-19, everyone on Saturday expressed their grief and said Haley was missed very much.

Dr. Haley meant so much to so many people and Jacksonville meant so much. Losing him is tragic and painful. I pray for his family. I’ve always enjoyed our professional dealings, but really enjoyed them as a person. We have talked about our families many times. Below is from a few years ago. https://t.co/gXpQCPNApj

– Lenny Curry (@lennycurry) July 24, 2021

Dr. Sunil Joshi, president of the Duval County Medical Society Foundation, shared his shock and disbelief and called Haley a “wonderful, wonderful person.”

“I think what sets him apart from the other deans and CEOs we’ve had here in Jacksonville at UF is that he became part of our community. He wasn’t just fighting for what was important to UF Health Jacksonville. He fought for what was important to Jacksonville, ”said Joshi. “He’s run more than our teaching hospital, he’s made a difference in Jacksonville. That is why so many people were shocked and devastated by this news. You know, this probably pains me more than the fact that I love him as a person. We had a guy here that people looked up to who actually made a difference, and since I was born and raised in Jacksonville, I know those few are. And so it is sad on so many levels. “

Dr. Haley was a wonderful leader and friend. His absence will be deeply felt, especially now as our hospital is battling through a surge in Covid. https://t.co/PaUVuNIXzu

– Chad Neilsen (@MajEbola) July 24, 2021

I can’t imagine how devastating this loss would be to Dr. Haley’s family is. He was a proud, devoted father, a respected doctor, and a selfless community leader. We speak to Dr. Our condolences to Haley’s family at this incredibly difficult time.

JAX Chamber President / CEO Daniel Davis pic.twitter.com/yq2UFfFNI0

– JAX Chamber (@JAXChamber) July 24, 2021

I am shocked and heartbroken to learn of the death of JEA board member Dr. Leon Haley, Jr. learns. On behalf of the JEA staff, I extend my condolences to his family and friends. It was an honor to work with Dr. Haley to work together – we will miss his care for JEA and all of NE Florida.

– Jay Stowe (@ jstowe928) July 24, 2021

This is a shocking and terrible loss to our community. Dr. Haley was a serving guide, advocate for our city, and a wonderful person who had a tremendous impact on those fortunate enough to know him. https://t.co/IOSiwKX6D3

– Melissa Nelson (@ Nelson4SAO) July 25, 2021

It is deeply painful to write this tweet after hearing from Dr. Haley’s death. My deepest condolences and gratitude to his family for spending so much time providing us with comprehensive and realistic information. His death is a devastating loss to our community.

– Audrey Gibson (@ SenAudrey2eet) July 25, 2021